DECEMBER 14 - Fear or Freedom?
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 29:24–25; Psalm 142; Jeremiah 23:1–5; Jeremiah 30:1–9; Jeremiah 33:14–26
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3-Year Bible Devotional Book Available on Amazon
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“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” — Proverbs 29:25
“I cry to you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.’” — Psalm 142:5
“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely…” — Jeremiah 23:5
“It shall come to pass in that day, declares the Lord of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off your neck…” — Jeremiah 30:8
“I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on his dwellings…” — Jeremiah 33:26
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Ever feel like you're stuck trying to please people—parents, teachers, friends, or even just your social media followers? It’s like there’s this invisible pressure to be perfect, cool, or always right. Proverbs 29:25 calls that trap “the fear of man.” It’s real—and it can take over your thoughts, your choices, and your sense of who you are. But God’s Word doesn’t leave us there. Instead, it points us to something better: freedom that comes from trusting Him.
King David knew what it felt like to be overwhelmed by fear and pressure. In Psalm 142, he’s hiding in a cave, running for his life. But even there, he cries out to God, calling Him his refuge and portion. He chose to trust God when everything felt dark.
Jeremiah’s writings might seem distant at first glance, but they’re all about hope and restoration. In a time when God’s people were broken and exiled, He promised a King—the Righteous Branch—who would reign with wisdom (Jeremiah 23:5). That King is Jesus. Through Him, the chains of fear, sin, and shame are broken. When we follow Him, we’re not stuck in fear—we’re walking in freedom.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. Who are you trying to please? Is fear of what others think keeping you from living boldly for Jesus? God wants to set you free from that snare.
2. Where do you run when life gets hard? Like David in the cave, do you go to God as your refuge, or try to fix everything on your own?
3. Jesus is your freedom: Jeremiah’s promise of a righteous King is fulfilled in Jesus. Are you letting Him lead your life with wisdom and love?
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BOTTOM LINE
You don’t have to live in fear of what others think. True safety and freedom come when you trust in Jesus, your refuge and King.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for being my refuge and the One I can always trust. Help me to stop living for the approval of others and start living in the freedom You offer through Jesus. Thank You for breaking every chain and calling me to walk with You. Give me boldness to follow You today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.